[Marcarc]

The reality is that international law and international bodies decide who or what is a nation. The United Nations doesn't offer a seat to Quebec, neither do international treaties recognize it.<br /> <br /> The question comes down to semantics. Is a 'nation' the same as a 'country'? Is a 'nation' the same as a 'society', ie. a 'distinct society'. <br /> <br /> If a provincial boundary and provincial government 'defines' the society, then how 'distinct' are other societies? <br /> <br /> For the record, VERY few canadians recognize a 'native nation', in fact so few I suspect they number about the same as natives themselves. Likewise, I don't think anybody recognizes an 'acadian nation', in fact most people, including Quebecers probably know nothing of acadian society let alone a 'nation'. I grew up in New Brunswick and even 'acadian culture' was primarily a mystery. Some spoke french, some spoke chiac. <br /> <br /> What was often used to define a culture was the simple fact that a specific demographic was treated significantly worse than others. While this is often still true, we can now add a 'homosexual nation' if those are the criteria. And its also quite true that there is a worldwide 'poverty nation' which can be easily recognized as a culture within Canada as they have numerous facets in common. Living conditions, lifestyle choices, foods, sometimes even language, as well as general treatment from authorities make these people more of a singular culture than those in geographic boundaries.<br /> <br /> These people have even more in common than a wealthy and poor Quebecois. However, what they don't have is federal recognition as a culture. Quebec's 'nationhood' has not been designated for the simple reason that most people equate 'nation' with 'country' and until there is a vote of separation that is not the case. Currently, I have not even heard mention of Quebec lately, particularly at this website where its probably assumed that there are significantly more problematic issues to be dealt with. When a new referendum is announced no doubt that will change, until then, I think people have more pressing concerns on their minds. The 'native nation' question is definitely front burner in BC and Ontario right now.

[Marcarc]

I forgot to mention, since 'nation' is largely figurative, politicians will 'agree' simply because they use the term rhetorically. You please Quebec voters that way, and others couldn't care less.

[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= Marcarc] I forgot to mention, since 'nation' is largely figurative, politicians will 'agree' simply because they use the term rhetorically. You please Quebec voters that way, and others couldn't care less.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Actually, in one of our Quebec Seperatist threads, we uncovered when seperatists say the french for 'nation', it is much closer to the english meaning for 'community' than it is for 'country'.<br /> <br /> I think this has been half the battle all along.

[Marcarc]

I don't know if separatists would agree with that. Perhaps Quebecers, but not separatists whose idea of nation is DEFINITELY not 'community'.

[kenmore]

I wonder.. when you see our flag.( I am a Quebecer) flown on its own beside the Canadian flag and representatives from the assembly nationale du Quebec sitting with politicians from Ottawa in international forums you have to wonder.. Harper and his government recognized the people of Quebec as a distinct nation. However there is a big difference between a nation of peoples..ie first nation people ect. and a country... but its interesting to note that the flag of quebec is represented in a solitary fashion... like on this site..the candian flag and the Quebec flag combined.. like they do sometimes to show solidarity with the American flag and the Canadian flag...

[Red_Eye]

I don't know why the Quebec politicians need to have the obvious stated on paper.
Kind of childish and beside the point as it does nothing for the citizens. Its all a political game.


Original O.P.
I thought this was a seperatist thread but no, good tho. Good questions. Food for thought.